DROPS BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

drops back

verb

present tense third-person singular of drop back

as in withdraws

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of drops back Szoboszlai has much better access to Yoane Wissa in the space that opens up as Gravenberch pushes forward and Wirtz drops back to cover (no doubt after a half-time reminder about the importance of covering the space). — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 After the front, the humidity drops back off the scale, meaning that Thursday and Friday will be very comfy and dry. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 18 May 2026 If the opposing quarterback drops back to pass, Downs can be effective, as well. — Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026 Too flat and your head drops back; too thick and your chin juts forward. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 If your head drops back or your chin pushes forward, the pillow height is wrong. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. — Lillian Rizzo,ryan Ruggiero, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 Temperatures are likely to remain warm during the day, though forecasts show possible snow showers early Thursday night as the low drops back below freezing to the upper 20s. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026 The 54-year-old comedian with a beard full of gray stubble drops back to pass, launching a tight spiral underneath SoFi’s massive technicolor halo scoreboard hovering above a sea of empty stands. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drops back

Verb

However, if Miller withdraws after Monday, Republicans would reportedly have no nominee to replace him on the ballot.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
If a friend withdraws, reach out softly and offer clear help without pressure.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdraws

Verb

With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Twice a day, the tide retreats from the shoreline, sometimes for up to two miles.

— Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreats

Verb

County Commissioner Alexandra Davis warned there is no guarantee services will be less expensive for cities if fire-rescue falls back under county control.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
The additional allowances are available only until the price falls back below the threshold, or the reserve of extra allowances is depleted.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of falls back

Verb

It is headed straight toward another SUV, driven by a medic for CHOP security, who immediately throws it in reverse and backs away to avoid the white Jeep, which is coming at it head on.

— Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026
As the boy backs away, the family's husky mix, Bella, is seen running over from across the yard and chasing the bear away, circling behind the animal and placing itself in between the bear and the boy.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Definition of backs away

Verb

Robinson retires with 565 catches, 7,058 yards, and 43 touchdowns.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
When a buyback operation retires $4 billion of 30-year bonds, that borrowing need grows by $4 billion, and with coupon auction sizes frozen, the marginal instrument is the bill.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026